Assessing Academic Cooperation with Taiwan Education Center, UMKT Opens Doors to International Scholarships and Study Opportunities

umkt.ac.id, Samarinda – Universitas Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur (UMKT) continues to expand its international network by initiating an academic cooperation with the Taiwan Education Center (TEC). The introductory forum, held at the Meeting Room of General Sudirman Building (Building G) at UMKT, served as a platform to explore collaborative opportunities, particularly in offering scholarships and developing study pathways in Taiwan for UMKT students and teaching staff.

The event was attended by high-ranking UMKT officials, including the Vice Rector of Academic, Quality Assurance, Student, and Alumni Affairs, deans and vice-deans from all UMKT faculties, the Director of the Office of Cooperation and International Affairs, alongside representatives from the Taiwan Education Center.

In his address, Abdul Halim, the Vice Rector of Academic, Quality Assurance, Student, and Alumni Affairs, highlighted that Taiwan is not a stranger to UMKT’s civitas academica. Halim noted that several UMKT alumni are currently continuing their academic journeys in Taiwan, while conversely, alumni from Taiwanese institutions have become part of the extended UMKT family. Halim asserted that these existing connections provide an excellent head-start for future academic cooperation between UMKT and Taiwan.

“This is a very positive first step, and we wholeheartedly appreciate the effort to cooperate with the Taiwan Education Center. We see abundant opportunities for collaboration, such as postgraduate studies, student mobility programs, research partnerships, and the possibility of joint degree programs,” Halim stated.

Muhammad Bima Aoron Hafiz, the Manager of TEC Indonesia, explained that the relationship between UMKT and TEC had already begun through various prior programs, notably the dissemination of Taiwanese scholarship information for Indonesian students. Bima added that TEC and UMKT could collaborate through diverse schemes and programs, covering student mobility, capacity building for teaching staff, and cross-country research cooperation.

“UMKT has significant potential to be involved in numerous international programs facilitated by TEC. This collaboration can be extended and customized to meet the specific needs of both institutions,” he declared.

The discussions were followed by a detailed presentation on various scholarship programs and academic opportunities available in Taiwan, including testimonials from Indonesian students who participated in Taiwanese student mobility programs, as well as alumni who have studied at notable institutions there. The existing interest and academic success of UMKT students and alumni in Taiwan are seen as positive indicators for bolstering future cooperation.

The event concluded with the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between TEC and UMKT. Through the initiation of this collaboration, UMKT upholds its commitment to further internationalize the university and make global academic experiences accessible to both teaching staff and students. This meeting is expected to serve as a strong foundation for concrete cooperation between UMKT and TEC, thereby maintaining UMKT’s position as an adaptive, internationally-oriented higher education institution.

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Author: Raisha Azzahro

Photographer: Raihana Adhwa

Translator: M. Rafly Raihandy